Hi. I ended up in a situation that I could use some help with. I setup is simple DAC, Sunfire AMP , B&W speakers. While researching DACs I between TEAC UD 301, 501 and NAd 1050, I found a great deal on UD 501 and got it. I did not pay attention to the fact that the volume control is for headphones only. Now I have a slight regret, (my lowest Iphone/iphod volume is not low enough at night). Should I sell 501 and get a 301 or NAD 1050 or should I spend money on a volume control. I use XLR balanced connection and would like to keep using them.

What are you using as a source? If using a PC/NAS or external hard drive...

On the cheap you could use a network-connected Raspberry Pi to control the source and output USB from the pi to the DAC. Then use Volumio/Moode/Rune as the control software (via PC of smartphone) and enable software volume control. Or a deluxe method would use a MicroRendu and your choice of control software like Roon or Lumin or many others.